Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashes, 2 pilots missing

Two Pakistan Air Force personnel were reported missing after a trainer aircraft crashed into the Indus river in the country's northwest on Wednesday, officials said.

The Mushak aircraft came down near Chota Lahore in Swabi district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. The cause of the crash could not immediately be ascertained.

Security forces launched a search operation for the pilot and co-pilot. Divers were despatched to the site of the crash.

Swabi district police chief Mian Saeed told the media that the aircraft crashed into the Indus river. Pieces of the rear of the aircraft had been recovered while the cockpit was still in the water, he said.

“The pilot and co-pilot are missing and we have informed (the rescue service)," Saeed said.

Witnesses said the pilot tried to steer away from land while the aircraft descended and it could be seen going towards the river.